rick2's review
5.0
Is this the ultimate answer to trauma, life, the universe and everything?
No
Is this going to be one of my most recommended books for the next several months?
Yes. By far
A well organized and clearly written collection of hard won wisdom around working with and through trauma. The author does an impressive job of balancing their own experience with larger lessons. Bringing in a variety of really impactful sources.
I do volunteer work for an organization that works with survivors of institutional abuse. This book is so spot on with the experience that I’ve had. Between vicarious trauma, picking up and internalizing the experiences that those you work with have had, doing work in an attempt to heal yourself, and many other behaviors that lead to burnout. This book gives language to and provides a shared vocabulary for those who work in and around those who wrestle with trauma.
Lastly the emphasis on sustainability and long-term health is pretty spot on. I know personally I go through cycles of excessive work and a sort of mild burn out. It can be really difficult to find that healthy balance. And while Im not sure any book can give you the exact formula for yourself, it’s heartening to hear that many others have found sustainable long-term solutions.
No
Is this going to be one of my most recommended books for the next several months?
Yes. By far
A well organized and clearly written collection of hard won wisdom around working with and through trauma. The author does an impressive job of balancing their own experience with larger lessons. Bringing in a variety of really impactful sources.
I do volunteer work for an organization that works with survivors of institutional abuse. This book is so spot on with the experience that I’ve had. Between vicarious trauma, picking up and internalizing the experiences that those you work with have had, doing work in an attempt to heal yourself, and many other behaviors that lead to burnout. This book gives language to and provides a shared vocabulary for those who work in and around those who wrestle with trauma.
Lastly the emphasis on sustainability and long-term health is pretty spot on. I know personally I go through cycles of excessive work and a sort of mild burn out. It can be really difficult to find that healthy balance. And while Im not sure any book can give you the exact formula for yourself, it’s heartening to hear that many others have found sustainable long-term solutions.
jennifer_fatula's review
4.25
A lot of good thoughts and practices and this speaks to the reader in a kind way. In the beginning she talks about how many people deal with trauma Stewardship (EMTs, caregivers, doctors, teachers, firefighters, etc.) but most of the narrative is in the frame of reference of her past work as a social worker.
10_4tina's review
challenging
informative
reflective
sad
slow-paced
2.5
Read for work. Mediocre. 2.5
As far as required work reading, this wasn't bad. I learned some things and was reminded of others. However, the book got too new-agey for me and so many of the suggestions felt unhelpful because the emphasis was on my enough-ness (which I disagree with). I also found suggestions of hobbies and community to be true, but trite. My last complaint with the book is that I kinda got lost with the directions piece of the different guides (N, S, E, & W).
I did really appreciate the overall acknowledgement of secondary trauma and the need to be mindful of the impact of the helping work so many of us do. I work as a case manager with college students and regularly hear lots of trauma in the lives of these young adults. I think understanding the impact of working with trauma is hugely important. I also appreciated the narrative pieces and comics interspersed, albeit sometimes not well connected to the content nearby. The stories of others in helping professions generally felt encouraging and practical, but for those who left helping fields, it only enhanced my cynical belief that this work is not sustainable.
Even though I didn't love this book, I really loved Van Dernoot Lipsky's TED Talk and would give that 5 stars.
As far as required work reading, this wasn't bad. I learned some things and was reminded of others. However, the book got too new-agey for me and so many of the suggestions felt unhelpful because the emphasis was on my enough-ness (which I disagree with). I also found suggestions of hobbies and community to be true, but trite. My last complaint with the book is that I kinda got lost with the directions piece of the different guides (N, S, E, & W).
I did really appreciate the overall acknowledgement of secondary trauma and the need to be mindful of the impact of the helping work so many of us do. I work as a case manager with college students and regularly hear lots of trauma in the lives of these young adults. I think understanding the impact of working with trauma is hugely important. I also appreciated the narrative pieces and comics interspersed, albeit sometimes not well connected to the content nearby. The stories of others in helping professions generally felt encouraging and practical, but for those who left helping fields, it only enhanced my cynical belief that this work is not sustainable.
Even though I didn't love this book, I really loved Van Dernoot Lipsky's TED Talk and would give that 5 stars.
sarahhigh's review
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
5.0
this was a wonderful guide for anyone striving to live more fully while continuously helping others. i will definitely be returning to it in the future and i highly recommend this!
cherylanne's review
5.0
I was lucky enough to go to her workshop a few months ago, and was blown away. She comes from a (delightfully) lefty grassroots community work perspective, but I think her message translates to many environments. She's passionate, funny, smart, and unbelievably wise. She shares her journey - and how she has faltered along the way - and includes essays from others as well. While she offers many concrete self-care strategies, she primarily advocates a shift in perspective (both for individuals and systems). This is a book I will return to again and again. It is probably good I read a borrowed copy, because I think I would have highlighted 3/4 of the book. I can't recommend this book (or her workshop) enough - particularly for folks in non-profits. It was most illuminating and validating.